The Mets had originally considered trading Davis and moving Lucas Duda to first base, Sherman explains. However, as one team executive told him, “If we trade him, where do we find those 32 homers?”

“Throughout his executive career, Alderson has placed extreme value on the ability of a team to slug at a high level,” Sherman says. “Of the top 11 homer-hitting teams last year, 10 finished at least eight games over .500 and six made the playoffs. Of the bottom 10, only two finished above .500 and just one made the playoffs.”

As such, Sherman expects the Mets to seek a young slugger in any deal that might include R.A. Dickey.

Matthew Cerrone, Lead Writer

10:09 am: In late September I wrote, “Alderson would like to add 30 to 40 home runs to the lineup over the next two seasons, probably in the outfield; and he’s more likely to trade RA Dickey, Lucas Duda and Jon Niese than Ike Davis, Matt Harvey or Zack Wheeler to make that happen.” So, it should be no surprise that Sherman thinks Alderson would look to acquire a young bat in return for Dickey.

He could go a few different ways here, since he could look for a catcher, outfielder or even a shortstop (while moving Ruben Tejada to second). My guess is, if Dickey is traded it will be for one young, major-league ready hitter, one next-level position prospect and one mid-tier minor league pitcher.